Kabul, Afghanistan, 16 August, 2025
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has warned that Afghans who are “ungrateful” for Islamic rule will face severe punishment from God, according to a statement released Friday to mark the fourth anniversary of the group’s takeover of Afghanistan.
The Taliban regained control of the country on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces after a two-decade war. Since then, the group has enforced its strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, including sweeping restrictions on women and girls, based on edicts issued by Akhundzada.
In his statement, Akhundzada, who rarely appears in public, said Afghans had endured decades of hardship and sacrifice to establish Sharia law, which he claimed had protected society from “corruption, oppression, usurpation, drugs, theft, robbery, and plunder.”
“These are great divine blessings that our people should not forget,” the statement read. “On the occasion of Victory Day (August 15), they must express gratitude to Allah so that His blessings will increase. If we fail to show gratitude, we will be subjected to severe punishment by Allah.”
The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, shared the message on social media platform X.
Akhundzada also directed Cabinet members and ministers to remove the word “acting” from their official titles — a move underscoring the Taliban’s claim to permanent authority in Afghanistan, despite the absence of international recognition.
Meanwhile, resistance to Taliban rule persists. On Friday, members of the United Afghan Women’s Movement for Freedom held an indoor protest in Takhar province, denouncing restrictions imposed by the regime.
Afghanistan continues to face a worsening humanitarian crisis, fueled by climate change, the mass expulsion of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan, and a sharp decline in international aid. This year’s anniversary commemorations were subdued compared to last year, when the Taliban held a military parade at a former U.S. airbase.
